THE REFERENDUM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 58, 28 February 1949, Page 4

THE REFERENDUM

Sir,—The home is recognised as the centre of our culture and civilisation. Whatever tends to destroy this is against the best interests of the nation. Among such baleful agencies drink is prominent. Opening the bars until 10 p.m. to entice more husbands,' fathers, sons and daughters too, is well calculated to effect the home and the nation as a whole. Ten o’clock closing does not mean that bars will be open longer, but later. Those who are thirsty during several hours in the heat of the day will have to postpone their thirst, find an illegal drink, or patronise the milk bar! By the time the bars do open for the late afternoon and night session those who have waited will have an even greater thirst, which will suit the publican and brewer very nicely. Ten o’clock closing does mean that bars will be open when a man should be home with wife and family. He can drink continuously if he wants to until 10 p.m. Will there be less drunkenness? Because of darkness, some might think so, but reliable records show that the late hour brings increase of drunkenness and crime.

Read" what the Magistrate, J. Miller (Napier), stated before the Royal Commission: “I am satisfied that the 6 o’clock closing has been the means of saving thousands of our youths from -acquiring the habit of excessive drinking.” Simple arithmetic makes it clear: more hours in which to drink more beer can only mean more drunkenness with its usual accompaniments. Yours etc., AWAKE.